Energy distribution network

ABSTRACT

A hydrogen fuel supply system includes a hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen from an energy source at an outlet pressure. An outlet conduit feeds the hydrogen to a user. A controller controls the hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen at the outlet pressure. An input interface receives user demand data and activates the controller in accordance with the user demand data.

This is a division of Application Ser. No. 09/387,828, filed on Sep. 1,1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,105.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an energy network for providinghydrogen-generated at a production site, particularly by one or morewater electrolysers, for use particularly, as a fuel for vehicles orenergy storage. The invention further relates to the use of hydrogen asa fuel for a fuel cell wherein hydrogen is converted into electricalenergy, for combustion as an auxiliary energy source and for thegeneration of electricity, particularly, as part of an electricaldistribution system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In planning the production capacity of a large chemical plant, forexample, for methanol production or a large electricity production site,correct knowledge of expected demand of the product is critical withregard to the optimization of capital deployment and certainty of areturn on investment in the large facility. Most often millions ofdollars are required to finance the construction. Thus, measuring andpredicting the supply and demand for the end product is highlydesirable. Applying techniques to predict future demand on a real time,short, medium or long term basis, commercially, is extremely important,particularly for maximizing asset utilization, reducing inventory, andminimizing risk. .

Currently, the widespread deployment of a network of hydrogen supplysystems for hydrogen-fueled vehicles does not exist. At present, thereis a widespread network of hydrocarbon-fueled vehicles complete with anoptimized fuel supply infrastructure network based on the limits ofknown technology, society's standards and consumer acceptance. Manybelieve to put a widespread, geographic network of hydrogen vehicleswith a network of hydrogen supply encompassing production, storage,transportation and delivery would involve such a large investment and beso challenging, that the task is believed essentially impossible to doin any economic method. Although, there are numerous examples ofhydrogen production from electricity close to where it can be used tofuel a vehicle, such individual sites are not interconnected so as tooptimize performance and asset deployment.

There are a number of shortcomings of the current hydrocarbon-fueledvehicle distribution networks, which shortcomings include a finiteresource of the hydrocarbon fuel per se and an uneven distribution ofthe world's resources. In fact, much of the world's hydrocarbonresources are focused in just a few geographical areas, such that manynations do not have a substantive supply of indigenous fuel. This hasled to global and regional conflict. In addition, there is uncertaintyabout the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on health and climatechange. Furthermore, the very use of hydrocarbon fuels, or theprocessing for use of hydrocarbon fuels, leads to ground level pollutionof smog and ozone as well as regional environmental challenges, such asacid rain. Airborne pollutants, either directly or indirectly formed dueto the combustion or processing of hydrocarbon fuels, lead to reducedcrop output, potentially reduced lifespan and other health issues forall living beings.

A network of fuel supply systems which could provide as good, if notbetter, consumer service and reduce or eliminate fuel resourcedisparity, negative environmental aspects of hydrocarbon fuels and theircombustion or processing which can be introduced in a manner whichmitigates the investment risk, optimizes the capacity factor of allequipment in the system and encourages the use of non-carbon energysources is highly desirable. Hydrogen fuel, produced from energy sourceswhich are lower in carbon content than conventional coal and oil, orhydrogen fuel produced from coal and oil in which the carbon issequestered below the surface of the earth, would be an ideal fuel forthis network.

One aspect of the delivery of a product from a production site to autilization site involves the use of storage. Storage of the product,sometimes a commodity, can efficiently allow for supply and demand tomeet in a manner which optimizes the utilization of production. Twoexamples of this is the supply of hydrogen produced

-   (a) from methanol on board a vehicle and used in a car, where on    board it is reformed into a hydrogen containing gas; and-   (b) by electricity off-board a vehicle and used to fill a compressed    gas storage tank either on the vehicle or on the ground for    subsequent transfer to the vehicle.

In latter case (b), the hydrogen is produced off-board the vehicle andis stored in a compressed gas tank, or similar container. Theaccumulation of hydrogen disconnects the production of electricity forhydrogen production with the real-time demand for hydrogen. This loadshifting effect on electricity production, enabled by storage ofhydrogen, enables better and more predictable utilization ofelectricity—particularly when the hydrogen demand is of some significantpercentage, say 1% to 100% with regard to the electricity beingproduced. This enables decisions to be made on a real time basis as towhere to direct the electricity, for example, to hydrogen production byelectrolysis or other uses. This is only part of the equation as itenables measurement of the supply of electricity, i.e. at times whereincremental production of electricity is available or advantageous andincludes many aspects of operating an electrical generator,transmission, and distribution system which creates improved assetutilization for hydrogen production in addition to meeting immediatereal time electrical demand. The second half of the equation is themeasurement of hydrogen demand in essentially real time. This involvesplanning for the production of hydrogen. When the hydrogen production isfrom electrolysis sources and the hydrogen is transferred to the storagetank on board the vehicle from a storage tank or directly from anelectrolyser base to meet the need demanded by the market place forhydrogen, measurement on a moment by moment basis is possible of thehydrogen demand. The demand can be understood by those familiar in theart by techniques such as temperature/pressure measurements as well aselectrical energy consumption. In addition, measurement of the amount ofhydrogen energy on board the vehicle can enable information to beprovided to the controller for hydrogen supply from electricityproduction and can be equated to stored energy/electrical resources.These measurements complete the equation for supply and demand withdetailed measurement. This enables the following:

-   (a) real time predictions of the amount of electricity required in    the following time periods: instantaneous and, when combined with    previous data, the rate of growth of demand for electricity for    hydrogen production;-   (b) the deferred use of electricity for hydrogen production and the    supply of electricity to a demand of a higher priority (economic or    technical);-   (c) the safe curtailment of electricity supply for the use of    hydrogen production as sufficient storage exists in the ‘system    network’ of storage tanks; and-   (d) the ability to develop ‘virtual’ storage reservoirs where by    priority/cost/manner of supply of electricity can be determined    based on the status of the storage reservoir.

A system which connects electricity production decision making to storedhydrogen, either on board a vehicle or on the ground to hydrogen marketsenables better decision making with regard to when, where, and how muchelectricity to provide. This information, available on essentially aninstantaneous basis through measurement, is critical to asset deploymentand increase asset utilization and risk mitigation. It can also be usedto better schedule electrical generators. By acting as an “interruptibleload” it can provide operating reserves for the electrical utility tomeet reliability requirements By collecting this information throughappropriate means a novel and inventive measurement system is createdwhich incorporate the features incorporating one or more of a,b,c and dabove.

It can, thus, be seen that the decisions concerning a chemical plantfor, say, methanol production which then is used for many applicationsincluding on-board or off-board reforming of methanol can not provideinstantaneous and daily information to influence production decisions.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an energydistribution network incorporating hydrogen which provides for effectivedeployment and utilization of electrical generation, transmission anddistribution capacity and enhanced economic performance of such assets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention in its general aspect embodies a network having:

-   (a) primary energy sources transmitted from their production sources    to a hydrogen production site;-   (b) hydrogen production and delivery equipment with or without    by-product sequestration equipment, with or without on-ground    hydrogen storage equipment; and-   (c) collection, storage and supply controllers for the communication    of data.

The term controller comprises central processing means and computingmeans for receiving, treating, forwarding and, optionally, storing data.

The practice of the invention involves use of algorithmic manipulationswithin the controller(s) to utilize and determine information datarelating to, inter alia, the amount of hydrogen required from anelectrolyser(s) by the user(s), the time of delivery of electricalenergy to the electrolyser, duration of period the energy is to bedelivered to the electrolyser(s), the energy level to be sent to theelectrolyser(s), the hydrogen pressure of the user storage, real timeprice of electricity and price forecast, rate of energy level or thetype of modulation of the energy resource(s) to the electrolyser(s), andthe types of electrical energy selected from fossil fuels, hydro,nuclear, solar and wind generated.

The algorithmic manipulations within the controller(s) further determinethe control stages operative in the practice of the invention, such as,inter alia, the operation of the energy resources(s), electrolyticcell(s), compressor valves, user activation units, and the like ashereafter described.

By combining the above elements together, a network that measuresreal-time and computed expected demand for hydrogen fuel and providesproduct hydrogen accordingly is realized. This network may be linkedwith standard projection models to predict future demand requirements bygeographic location. A preferred feature of this hydrogen network isthat it does not rely on the construction of large scale hydrogenproduction facilities of any kind. Instead, preferred hydrogenproduction facilities provided herein are as small astechnically/commercially feasible and include scaled-down apparatus tomeet the needs of a single consumer or a plurality of customers from asingle commercial, retail or industrial site.

Accordingly, in its broadest aspect, the invention provides an energydistribution network for providing hydrogen fuel to a user comprising:hydrogen fuel production means; raw material supply means to saidproduction means; hydrogen fuel user means; and information and supplycontrol means linked to said production means, said raw material supplymeans and user means.

The term ‘hydrogen fuel user means’ in this specification means arecipient for the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production means. Itincludes, for example, but is not limited thereto: hydrogen storagefacilities—which may be above or below ground, in a vehicle and othertransportation units; direct and indirect hydrogen consuming conversionapparatus and equipment, such as fuel cell, electrical and thermalgenerating apparatus; and conduits, compressors and like transmissionapparatus. The demand may also be initiated by the energy supply, whichmay need to “dump” power and thus offer an opportunity to producecheaper hydrogen.

The raw material(s) may include, for example, natural gas, a liquidhydrocarbon or, in the case of an electrolyser, electrical current andwater.

With reference to the practice of the invention relating to natural gas,natural gas from a remote field, is put in a pipeline and transported toa retail outlet or fuel supply location for a hydrogen fuel. At or nearthe retail outlet or fuel supply location, the natural gas issteam/methane reformed with purification to produce hydrogen gas. Thecarbon dioxide by-product is vented or handled in another manner thatleads to its sequestration. The hydrogen produced may be fed, forexample, into a vehicle's compressed hydrogen gas storage tank throughuse of compression. Alternatively, the compressor may divert the flow toa storage tank, nominally on the ground near the steam methanereformer/compressor system. The amount of hydrogen produced in a givenday is determined in many ways familiar in the art and includes naturalgas consumption, hydrogen production, storage pressure, rate of change,and the like. This information is electronically or otherwisetransferred to the operator of the network according to the invention.This information over time constitutes demand information for hydrogenfrom which supply requirements can be foreseen as well as future demandpredicted. As the demand for hydrogen grows, the network operator mayinstall a larger natural gas reformer or add more storage tanks to makebetter use of the existing generator when demand is low. The ability tomeasure and store hydrogen, enables better decisions to be made thanwith the current liquid hydrocarbon (gasoline) infrastructure. Themeasuring ability enables predictions for the raw material (natural gasin this case) to be determined. If the natural gas comes from apipeline, the supply/demand characteristics provides useful informationon how to better manage the pipeline of natural gas as well as plan forpurchases expansion, trunk extensions, maintenance, amortization ofcapital assets, and even discoveries of natural gas. The measuringability of the system also provides key information on predictions forvehicle demand as the growth rate of hydrogen demand for vehicle use maybe a significant leading indicator.

With reference to a network according to the invention based on thecurrent popular fuels, gasoline and diesel, produced from a network ofoil wells, and refineries, this fuel is shipped to a retail outlet orfuel supply location. As needed, the gasoline/diesel is reformed orpartially oxidized, or other chemical steps taken to produce hydrogen.After sufficient purification, the hydrogen is either stored directly onto the vehicle or at off-vehicle storage sites for latter on-vehicletransfer. The amount of hydrogen produced in a given day is determinedby those knowledgeable in the art based on gasoline/diesel consumption,hydrogen production, storage levels or pressures of gas storage, ratesof change, and the like. This information is electronically or otherwisetransferred to the operator of the network according to the invention.This information over time constitutes demand information for hydrogenfrom which supply requirements are foreseen as well as future demandpredicted. As the demand for hydrogen grows, the network operator mayinstall a larger gasoline/diesel reformer or add more storage tanks tomake better use of the existing generator when demand is low. Theability to measure and store hydrogen, enables better decisions to bemade with regard to deployment of assets, such as storage tanks and morehydrogen production equipment, than with the current liquid hydrocarbon(gasoline/diesel) infrastructure. The measuring ability enablespredictions for the raw material to be determined. This is particularlyimportant if the gasoline/diesel is specifically produced for lowpollution or zero emission vehicles in regards to octane, additives,detergents, sulphur content, and the like and there is a unique capitalstructure to the assets used to produce, transport and distribute thisspecial grade of gasoline/diesel. The measuring ability of the systemaccording to the invention also provides key information on predictionsfor vehicle demand as the growth rate of hydrogen demand for vehicle useis a very significant leading indicator.

With reference to a network according to the invention based on a liquidhydrocarbon, such as methanol, methanol produced from a network ofgenerating plants spread locally or globally, is shipped to a retailoutlet or fuel supply station location. As needed, the methanol isreformed, partially oxidized, or other chemical steps taken to producehydrogen. After sufficient purification, the hydrogen may be storeddirectly on to the vehicle or non-vehicle storage for later vehicletransfer. The amount of hydrogen produced in a given day could bedetermined as described hereinabove with reference to natural gas andgasoline.

However, a most preferred network is based on using electricity forwater electrolysis. Electricity travelling in a conductor, produced froma network of generating plants spread locally or globally, is fed to aresidence, home and the like, a commercial or industrial retail outletor other fuel supply location. As needed, the electricity is used in anelectrolysis process that produces hydrogen and oxygen that is of value.After sufficient purification and compression if required, the hydrogenmay be stored directly on to a vehicle or fed to non-vehicle storage.

Electricity can come from many different types of primary energies, eachwith their own characteristics and optimal ways and means of production.Once electricity is produced, it is difficult to store effectively andmust be transmitted through some form of distribution/transmissionsystem. Such systems must respond to many different circumstances ofusers, multiple users more so than from a natural gas pipeline, time ofuse variation, load density, primary electrical input source, status ofprimary electrical input source, weather conditions, unique aspects ofdealing with the nature of electricity, versus a gas or a liquid.

An electrolysis unit, particularly an appropriately designed waterelectrolysis system, has unique advantages in how it can be connected toelectricity supplies and does not have to operate continuously. Anelectrolyser can be made to start, stop or modulate in partial loadsteps more readily than the typical methods to produce hydrogen fromhydrocarbons. This factor is a key element in that electricity may bedynamically “switched” from hydrogen production to other electricalloads based on a priority schedule. This feature enables an electrolyserto obtain lower cost electricity than higher priority electrical loads.Further, since electrolysis is a very scalable technology from 1<kW toover 100,000 kW, the same system, variant only in size, has thepotential to be distributed, as needed. Thus, it can provide controlactivation for meeting changes in electrical demand dynamically.

In the practice of the present invention in a preferred embodiment, thewires that deliver the electrical energy to the electrolyser are used tocommunicate useful information about the state of the electrolysisprocess to related devices. This eliminates the need for an additionalconnection or a “telemetry device” to collect necessary information inan electronic fashion.

Thus, a hydrogen fuel network incorporating electricity and electrolysisoffers useful opportunities with intermittent renewable energy sources,e.g. photovoltaics and wind turbines, even though these may be locatedhundreds of miles away from a network of electrolysis-based hydrogengenerators. The hydrogen generators can be sequenced to produce hydrogenat a rate proportional to the availability of renewable energy sources.In addition, by measuring price signals, the electrolysers can bereduced or shut down if the market price for electricity from aparticular generation source is beyond a tolerance level for fuelsupply. The electrolysis system can also be readily shut down in thecase of emergency within the electrical system. In view of the speed ofdata communications, control actions which can be taken in less than onesecond can be uses to dynamically control the grid as well as replacespinning reserves to meet reliability requirements.

Only a natural gas distribution system is close to an electricity systemin the concept of a continuous trickle supply of the energy source tothe hydrogen generator. When gasoline or methanol arrives at a hydrogenproduction and fuel supply site, it is generally by large shipment andthe gasoline or methanol would be stored in a tank of some 50,000gallons size. The trickle charge is a critical feature of the hydrogenfuel network and is clearly preferred. The distributed storage ofhydrogen—either on the vehicle which itself may be trickle charged orfor an on ground storage tank which can be trickle charged, accumulatesufficient hydrogen and then deliver that hydrogen to a car at a powerrate measured in GW. The ability to take a kW trickle charge and convertit to a GW rapid fuel power delivery system through effective storage isa key element in building an effective fuel supply service as a productof the network.

The ability to measure hydrogen supply and demand as well as estimatethe total hydrogen stored in the network, including ground storage orstorage on board vehicles, provides a most useful benefit of the networkof the invention. The integrated whole of the network is analogous to agiant fuel gauge and, thus, predictions of the amount of electricityrequired to fuel the system and the rate of fueling required can bemade. This provides electricity power generators/marketers informationfrom which they can help better predict supply and demand real time.Uniquely, the location as to where the fuel is most needed can also bedetermined on a near continuous basis.

In addition, distributed hydrogen storage, a consequence of the networkaccording to the invention, is similar to distributed electricitystorage or, if integrated together, a large hydroelectric storagereservoir. The hydrogen storage reservoir, may optionally, be convertedback to electricity for the grid using an appropriate conversion devicesuch as a fuel cell. Most objectives of energy management obtained withhydroelectric water reservoirs may be practiced with hydrogenreservoirs. Given the distributed network of hydrogen reservoirs, thepriority of practicing a particular energy management technique can beperformed. This prioritization capability is unique to the network ofthe invention.

As a network incorporating distributed electrolysis-based hydrogensupply systems with distributed reservoirs is developed, the planningfor the addition of new electricity generation systems can be made basedon information from the network. The uniqueness of knowing the supply,demand and energy storage aspects of the network provides informationabout the optimal specification of new electrical generating systems.The creation of large scale energy storage capability encouragesselection of electrical generators previously challenged by the lack ofenergy storage. Such generators including wind turbines and photovoltaicpanels may be encouraged. This should optimize the ability to implementthese types of generators which may be mandated by governments asnecessary to combat perceived environmental challenges.

The hydrogen network in the further preferred embodiments enables moneypayments to be made for services provided in real time as for preferredforms of energy sources based on environmental impact.

Thus, the network of energy sources of use in the practice of theinvention produces hydrogen through various techniques, such as steammethane reforming, partial oxidation or water electrolysis, at, or verynear, the intended user site so that no further processing beyondappropriate purification and pressurization for the specific storagetank/energy application. In the case where the hydrogen energy comesdirectly or indirectly from a carbon source which is deemed by societyto be too high in carbon content (CO₂ production) or where otherpollutants may exist, these are captured at source and sequestered tothe extent society deems necessary. In addition, a method to measure, orreasonably estimate the flow of hydrogen into storage (compressed gas,liquid H₂, hydrides, etc.) in or on the ground or an appropriate storagesystem on board a vehicle is helpful to obtain information which canlead to decisions as to when, where and how to produce fuel as well aswhen to deploy more assets in the process of producing fuel or on boarda vehicle measurements.

Thus, the invention in one most preferred embodiment provides a hydrogenfuel vehicle supply infrastructure which is based on a connected networkof hydrogen fuel electrolysers. The electrolysers and control associatedmeans on the network communicate current electrical demand and receivefrom the electrical system operator/scheduler the amount of hydrogenfuel needed to be produced and related data such as the time period forrefueling. For example, based on the pressure of the storage volume andthe rate at which the pressure rises, the storage volume needed to befilled can be calculated. The time period for fueling may also becommunicated to the fuel scheduler, for example, by the setting of atimer on the electrolyser appliance and/or the mode of operation, e.g.to be a quick or slow fuel fill. The electrical system operator/fueldelivery scheduler may preferably aggregate the electrical loads on thenetwork and optimize the operation of the electrical system bycontrolling the individual operation of fuel appliance, using‘scheduled’ hydrogen production as a form of virtual storage to manageand even control the electrical system; and employ power load levelingto improve transmission and generating utilization, and dynamic controlfor controlling line frequency.

It is, therefore, a most preferred object of the present invention toprovide a real time hydrogen based network of multiple hydrogen fueltransfer sites based on either primary energy sources which may or maynot be connected in real time.

There is preferably a plurality of such electrolysers on the energynetwork according to the invention and/or a plurality of users perelectrolysers on the system.

In a preferred aspect, the network of the invention comprises one ormore hydrogen replenishment systems for providing hydrogen to a user,said systems comprising

-   -   (i) an electrolytic cell for providing source hydrogen;    -   (ii) a compression means for providing outlet hydrogen at an        outlet pressure;    -   (iii) means for feeding said source hydrogen to said compressor        means;    -   (iv) means for feeding said outlet hydrogen to said user;    -   (v) control means for activating said cell to provide said        hydrogen source when said outlet pressure fall to a selected        minimum value; and    -   (vi) user activation means for operably activating said control        means.

The aforesaid replenishment system may comprise wherein saidelectrolytic cell comprises said compression means whereby said outlethydrogen comprises source hydrogen and said step (iii) is constituted bysaid cell and, optionally, wherein a hydrogen fuel appliance apparatuscomprising the system as aforesaid wherein said means (iv) comprisesvehicle attachment means attachable to a vehicle to provide said outlethydrogen as fuel to said vehicle.

The invention in a further broad aspect provides a network ashereinbefore defined further comprising energy generation means linkedto the user means to provide energy from the stored hydrogen to theuser.

The energy generation means is preferably one for generating electricityfrom the stored hydrogen for use in relatively small local areaelectricity distribution networks, e.g. residences, apartment complexes,commercial and industrial buildings or sites, or for feeding theauxiliary generated electrical power back into a wide area electricitydistribution network, like national, state or provincial grids, ondemand, when conventional electricity power supply is provided at peakperiods. The energy generation means using hydrogen as a source of fuelcan utilize direct energy conversion devices such as fuel cells toconvert hydrogen directly to electricity, and can utilize indirectenergy conversion devices such as generators/steam turbine to produceelectricity, and can utilize the hydrogen directly as a combustible fuelas in residential heating/cooking etc.

Accordingly, in a further aspect, the invention provides an energydistribution network for providing hydrogen fuel to a user comprising

-   -   (a) energy resource means;    -   (b) hydrogen production means to receive said energy from said        energy resource means;    -   (c) hydrogen fuel user means to receive hydrogen from said        hydrogen production means; and    -   (d) data collection, storage, control and supply means linked to        said energy resource means, said hydrogen production means and        said hydrogen fuel user means to determine, control and supply        hydrogen from said hydrogen production means;        wherein said hydrogen fuel user means comprises a plurality of        geographic zones located within or associated with at least one        building structure selected from the group consisting of an        office, plant, factory, warehouse, shopping mall, apartment, and        linked, semi-linked or detached residential dwelling wherein at        least one of said geographic zones has zone data control and        supply means linked to said data collection, storage, control        and supply means as hereinbefore defined to said geographic        zones.

The invention further provides a network as hereinbefore defined whereineach of at least two of said geographic zones has zone data control andsupply means, and a building data control and supply means linked to (i)said data collection, storage, control and supply means, and (ii) eachof at least two of said geographic zone data control and supply means inan interconnected network, to determine, control and supply hydrogenfrom said hydrogen production means to said geographic zones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be better understood, preferredembodiments will now be described by way of example, only, wherein

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment according to theinvention;

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C represent block diagrams of the data flowinterrelationships between the users and controller network of use inalternative embodiments according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment according to theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the major features of a hydrogen fuelrefurbishment system of use in the practice of a preferred embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 4 is a logic block diagram of a control and supply data controllerof one embodiment according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a logic block diagram of the control program of one embodimentof the system according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a logic block diagram of a cell block control loop of thecontrol program of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, when combined, is a schematic block diagram of anembodiment of the invention representing interrelationships between theembodiment of FIG. 1 and a further defined user network; and wherein thesame numerals denote like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT ACCORDING TO THEINVENTION

FIG. 1 represents an embodiment providing a broad aspect of theinvention having a hydrogen production source 10, supplied by energysource 12 which may be an electricity generating power plant, or anatural gas, gasoline or methanol reforming plant or combinationsthereof. Energy supplied by energy source 12 is generated from one ormore types of primary energy resources P that may include renewableenergy resources R. The types of primary energy resources P includefossil fuels, wind, solar, nuclear and hydro resources. A control unit14 and users 16 are suitably linked by hardware input and outputdistribution conduits 18, 20, respectively, and electrical datatransmission lines 22. Users 16 may include devices for convertingstored hydrogen into electricity. Such devices may be connected to anelectricity grid 2 such as a local area grid for residences, apartmentcomplexes, commercial and industrial buildings or sites, or a wide areagrid such as a national, state of provincial grid.

Users 16 define demands D for hydrogen transmitted by means of, forexample (i) use of a credit card, (ii) use of a smart card, (iii) use ofa voice activation system, (iv) manual activation via front panelcontrol, (v) use of a electronic, electric, or wireless infrared datatransmission system to register a hydrogen demand on the network. Uponreceipt of the demand D, controller 14 determines the natures of thedemand D with respect to the quantity of hydrogen requested, the time todeliver the hydrogen, the conditions under which to deliver the hydrogenwith respect to the temperature, pressure, purity and the like and therate of delivery of hydrogen requested. Such initial definition of thehydrogen demand D may be performed by a single controller 14 asillustrated in this embodiment or by a plurality of controllers 14interconnected in a network, having a configuration in the form of, forexample, a backbone (FIG. 1A), hub/star (FIG. 1B), or ring (FIG. 1C) insuch a way as to permit intercommunication between all the users.

Upon receiving a demand, controller 14 determines the availability A ofenergy resources 12, to which it is interconnected, with respect to theamount of energy available, the nature of the power available, the timeavailability of the energy, the type of energy source available, theunit prices per increment of energy and compares this to the energyrequired to generate the hydrogen demanded by users 16.

Upon receipt of the demand D, controller 14 further determines thestatus S of all hydrogen producing source(s) 10 on the network. Theinitial checks include the current status of the hydrogen source as a %use of rated capacity, rated capacity to produce hydrogen of a knownquantity, and the amount of energy consumption. The initial checksfurther include monitoring of the process parameters for starting thehydrogen producing source and process valve and electrical switchstatus.

After controller 14 determines the initial status S of hydrogenproducing source 10, the hydrogen demand D by users 16, and the natureand availability A of the energy sources 12 on the network, controller14 then initiates the starting sequence for hydrogen producing source(s)10 to meet the demands of users 16 subject to the availability of energyresource(s) 12 at the lowest possible cost. Controller 14 secures energyfrom source(s) 12 at a preferred cost to user 16 to permit hydrogen toflow through conduits 20. Energy is consumed by unit 10 in thegeneration of hydrogen which are supplied to users 16 along conduits 20.

Any incorrect noted status in any of the operational parameters notedabove or in the quality/purity of the product gases will result incontroller 14 to alter or interrupt the operation of hydrogen source 10until an appropriate status has been reached. Controller 14 also canmodulate on or off a plurality of hydrogen producing sources on thenetwork to meet the demands of users 16 so as to successfully completethe hydrogen demand of users 16 to provide the minimum quantity ofhydrogen at the minimum rate of delivery over the minimum amount of timeas specified at the minimum purity at the minimum cost to the user.

Upon receiving notification from users 16 that their requirements havebeen successfully met, controller 14 instructs hydrogen producing source10 to cease operation and informs energy source(s) 12 of the revisedchange in electrical demand.

With reference also to FIG. 1A, which illustrates the data flowrelationship between a plurality of users 16 along conduit 22 linkinghydrogen production means 10 users 16 and to energy source 12 under thedirection of controller 14. FIG. 1A defines a “backbone” for thecommunication of data from controller 14 to each of said users 16.

Alternate embodiments of the interrelation between users 16 andcontroller 14 are shown as a star/hub in FIG. 1B and in FIG. 1C a ring,and combinations, thereof Backbones, star/hubs, and rings are alsopossible to complete a networking environment for the flow andinterchange of data as noted in FIG. 1 above.

With reference now to FIG. 2, in an analogous manner as herein describedwith reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1, users 16 define a demand Dfor hydrogen, provided by a plurality of individual electrolysers 10under the control of controller 14, from electrical energy source 2.Electrical energy supplied by electrical energy source 2 is generatedfrom one or more types of primary energy resources P that may includerenewable energy resources R. The types of primary energy resources Pinclude fossil fuels, wind, solar, nuclear and hydro resources. Users 16may include devices for converting stored hydrogen into electricity.Such devices may be connected to electrical energy source 2 or any otherelectricity grid such as a local area grid for residences, apartmentcomplexes, commercial and industrial buildings or sites, or a wide areagrid such as a national, state of provincial grid.

FIG. 2 thus shows generally as 200, an energy network according to theinvention having a plurality of hydrogen fuel generating electrolysers10 connected to corresponding user facilities, above or below ground orvehicle storage 16. Electrical energy is provided to cells 10 by lead 18on demand, individually or collectively from power grid source 2 underthe control of controller 14, and supplies hydrogen through conduits 20to users 16. Control and supply controller 14 receives information fromcells 10 and user facilities 16, as the fuel requirement and loadingsituation requires. Controller 14 further effects activation of therequired electrical feed to cell 10 for hydrogen generation as required.The time of commencement, duration and electric power levels to a cellare also controlled by central controller 14. Information as to volumeof hydrogen fuel container, hydrogen pressure therein and rate ofpressure change on refurbishment are measured in real-time. Controller14 further comprises data storage means 23 from which information may betaken and read or added. Iteration and algorithmic treatment of realtime and stored data can be made and appropriate process control can berealized by acting on such data in real time.

With reference to FIG. 2 in more detail, user 16 defines a demand D forhydrogen and may transmit the demand by (i) use of a credit card, (ii)use of a smart card, (iii) use of a voice activation system, (iv) manualactivation via front panel control, (v) use of an electronic, electric,or wireless infrared data transmission system to register a hydrogendemand on the network.

Upon receipt of the demand D, network controller 14 determines thenature of the demand D with respect to the quantity of hydrogenrequested, the time to deliver the hydrogen, the conditions under whichto deliver the hydrogen with respect to temperature, pressure, purityand the like, and the rate of delivery of hydrogen requested. Suchinitial definition of the hydrogen demand may be performed by a singlecontroller 14 as illustrated in this embodiment or by a plurality ofcontrollers 14 interconnected, for example, in a “hub/star”, “backbone”or “ring” configuration in such a way as to permit intercommunicationbetween all controllers 14.

Upon receipt of the demand D, controller 14 determines the availabilityA of electrical energy resources 2 to which it is interconnected withrespect to the amount of energy available, the nature of the poweravailable, in regard to current and voltage, the time availability ofthe energy, the type of electrical energy source available, the unitprice per increment of electrical energy and compares this to the powerrequired to generate the hydrogen demanded by users 16.

Controller 14 further determines the status S of all hydrogen producingelectrolyser source(s) 10 on the network. The initial checks include thecurrent status of the hydrogen source, % use of rated capacity, ratedcapacity to produce hydrogen of a known quantity, for a known amount ofelectrical consumption. The initial checks further include monitoring ofthe process parameters for starting electrolyser(s) 10, and inparticular, the temperature, pressure, anolyte and catholyte liquidlevels, electrical bus continuity, KOH concentration and process valveand electrical switch status.

After controller 14 determines the initial status S of electrolyser(s)10, the hydrogen demand D by users 16 and the nature and availability Aof the electrical sources on the network, controller 14 then initiatesthe starting sequence for electrolyser(s) 10 to meet the demands ofusers 16 subject to the availability of electrical energy resource(s) 2at the lowest possible cost.

After controller 14 determines the initial status of electrolyser(s) 10,the hydrogen demand by users 16 and the nature and availability of theelectrical sources on the network, controller 14 then initiates thestarting sequence for electrolyser(s) 10 to meet the demands of users 16subject to the availability of electrical energy resource(s) 22 at thelowest possible cost.

Controller 14 secures a quantity of electrical energy from theelectrical source(s) 22 at the most preferred cost to user 16 to permithydrogen to flow down conduits 20. Power is then applied to hydrogenproducing electrolyser appliances 10 and the aforesaid processparameters monitored and controlled in such a fashion as to permit safeoperation of hydrogen producing electrolyser appliances 10 for thegeneration of hydrogen supplied to users 16 along conduits 20. Oxygenmay be, optionally, provided to users 20 or other users (not shown) byconduits (not shown).

Any incorrect noted status in any of the operational parameters notedabove or in the quantity/purity of the product gases causes controller14 to alter or interrupt the operation of electrolyser 10 until anappropriate status has been reached. Controller 14 also can modulate oneor a plurality of electrolysers on the network to meet the demands ofusers 16 so as to successfully complete the hydrogen demand by providingthe minimum quantity of hydrogen at the minimum rate of delivery overthe minimum amount of time as specified at the minimum purity at theminimum cost to user 16.

Upon receiving notification from user 16 that their requirements havebeen successfully met, controller 14 instruct electrolyser(s) 10 tocease operation and informs electrical energy source(s) 2 of the revisedchange in electrical demand.

With reference to FIG. 3, this shows a system according to the inventionshown generally as 300 having an electrolyser cell 10 which producessource hydrogen at a desired pressure P.sub.1 fed through conduit 24 tocompressor 26. Compressor 24 feeds compressed outlet hydrogen throughconduit 28 to user 16 at pressure P.sub.2, exemplified as a vehicleattached by a fitting 30. More specifically, user 16 may comprise ahydrogen conversion device such as an internal combustion engine forsuch a vehicle. Cell 10, compressor 26 and user 16 are linked to acontroller 14.

With reference also now to FIG. 4, a pair of hydrogen fueller andgenerator, with or without storage, slave controllers (HFGS) 40,receives data input from users 16. This input may include at least oneof user fuel needs, user fuel available, user storage facilitiesavailable, level of fuel available in any storage facility, availableinput power, type of input power, status and percent utilization ofinput power source. The HFGS controllers 40 verify the integrity of thedata and transmit this data along conduits 42 via modems 44 and, ifnecessary, with the aid of repeater 46 to a master network controller48. Data may also be transmitted in other embodiments, for example, viawireless transmission, via radio, infrared, satellite or optical meansfrom HFGS slave controller 40 to master network controller 48 and ontocontrol network hub 50.

In real time, or at some later time as desired by users 16, the statusof the energy source 52 as to the type of power available, amount ofpower available, instantaneous and trend of power usage, instantaneousdemand and predicted demand, nature and type of peak load demands andreserve capacity and percentage utilization of energy source assets canbe transmitted in a similar fashion as described herein above along dataconduit 54 to control network hub 50.

In real time, or at some later time as desired by users 16, controlnetwork hub 50 analyses the status and needs of the users via masternetwork controller 48 and the status of energy sources 52 and providesan optimized algorithm to meet the needs of the users, while providingplant load shifting, plant operation scheduling, plantoutage/maintenance, all at a documented minimal acceptable cost to theuser. Energy sources 52 can access the status of the network andtransmit data along data conduit 54 by means as described above to anadministrative center 58 where data analysis of asset utilization,costing, and the like, can be performed and dynamically linked back tocontrol network hub 50, which manages both users 16 demand and sources52 supply in an optimized fashion. Security barrier 60 may be present atvarious locations in the network to ensure confidentiality andprivileged data exchange flow to respective users 16, sources 52 andadministrative centers 58 so as to maintain network security.

With reference to FIG. 5 this shows the logic control steps effective inthe operation of the system as a whole, and in FIG. 6 the specific cellcontrol loop, sub-unit wherein a logical block diagram of the controlprogram of one embodiment of the system according to the invention;wherein

-   P_(MS)—Compressor start pressure;-   P_(L)—Compressor stop pressure;-   P_(LL)—Inlet low pressure;-   P_(MO)—Tank full pressure;-   ΔP—Pressure switch dead band;-   P_(MM)—Maximum allowable cell pressure; and-   L_(L)—Minimum allowable cell liquid level.

In more detail, FIG. 5 shows the logic flow diagram of the controlprogram for the operation. Upon plant start-up, cell 10 generateshydrogen gas at some output pressure, P_(HO). The magnitude of suchpressure, P_(HO), is used to modulate the operation of a startcompressor. If P_(HO) is less than some minimum pressure related to theliquid level in 10, P_(LL), a low pressure alarm is generated and aplant shutdown sequence is followed. If the output pressure, P_(HO), isgreater than P_(LL), then a further comparison is made. If the outputpressure, P_(HO), is greater than P_(MS), the minimum input pressure tothe start compressor, the latter begins a start sequence. If the outputpressure is less than some minimum value, P_(L), then start compressorremains at idle (stopped) until such time as the magnitude of P_(HO)exceeds P_(MS) to begin compressor operation.

Upon starting the compressor, the hydrogen gas is compressed in one ormore stages to reach an output pressure, P_(C), from the exit of thecompressor. If the output pressure, P_(C), exceeds a safety threshold,P_(MO), then operation of the compressor is terminated. If the output,P_(C), is less than some desired minimum, P_(MO)—ΔP, the compressor runsto supply and discharge hydrogen.

FIG. 6 comprises a block diagram of the hydrogen fuel replenishmentapparatus shown generally as 600 used to supply hydrogen and/or oxygengas at a minimum desired pressure. Apparatus 600 includes a rectifier210 to convert an a.c. signal input to a desired d.c. signal output, abus bar 212, electrolytic cell(s) 10, means of measuring oxygen 214 andhydrogen 216 pressure in conduits 218 and 220, respectively, valve meansfor controlling the flow of oxygen 222 and hydrogen 224, respectively,and a process/instrument controller 226 to ensure desired operation ofelectrolytic cell(s) 10 with suitable plant shutdown alarms 228.

FIG. 6 also comprises a process flow diagram for the cell block of FIG.5. Upon plant start-up, rectifier 210 establishes a safe condition byexamining the status of plant alarm 228 with respect to pressure andlevel controls. If the alarm indicates a safe status, current andvoltage (power) are transmitted along cell bus bar 212 from rectifier210 to electrolytic cell 10. With the application of a suitablecurrent/voltage source, electrolysis takes place within electrolyticcell(s) 10 with the resultant decomposition of water into the productsof hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The oxygen gas is transported alongconduit 218 in which oxygen pressure means 214 monitors oxygen pressure,P_(O), at any time, and to control oxygen pressure via modulation ofback pressure valve 222. Similarly, the hydrogen gas is transportedalong conduit 220 in which means 216 monitors hydrogen pressure, P_(H),at any time, and to control hydrogen pressure via control valve 224. Inthe operation of electrolytic cell(s) 10, the anolyte level of the cellon the oxygen side, L_(O), and the catholyte level on the hydrogen side,L_(H), are detected via P/I controller 226 to provide a control signalto valve 224 to facilitate the supply of hydrogen and/or oxygen gas atsome desired pressure.

With reference now to FIG. 7 users 716 include a building unit 717having at least one geographic zone 718 whose tenancy may beresidential, as in an apartment, semi-attached, detached dwelling, andthe like, or industrial/commercial, as in an office, plant, mall,factory, warehouse, and the like, and which defines a demand D forhydrogen. Such user 716 may transmit its demand by (i) use of a creditcard, (ii) use of a smart card, or (iii) use of an electronic, electric,or wireless data transmission, to register a hydrogen demand D withinzone 718 to a zone controller 720 exemplifying zone data control andsupply means.

Upon receipt of the demand, zone controller 720 determines the nature ofthe demand D with respect to the quantity of hydrogen requested, thetime to deliver the hydrogen, the conditions under which to deliver thehydrogen with respect to temperature, pressure, purity and the like, theend utilization purpose of the hydrogen, and the rate of delivery of thehydrogen requested. Such initial definition of this hydrogen demand Dmay be performed by a single or a plurality of zone controller(s) 720interconnected in a network configured as a “hub”, “star”, “ring” or“backbone” as exemplified in FIGS. 1A–1C, in such a way as to permitintercommunication between all controllers 720 to a unit controller 721for the unit 717 exemplifying a building data and control supply meansvia bus 722.

Upon receipt of the demand D by unit controller 721 from the network ofzone controllers 720, unit controller 721 determines the availability Aof all energy resources 12 available to building unit 717 by polling thestatus from a network controller 14 to which it is interconnected withrespect to the amount of energy available, the nature of the poweravailable, the time availability of the energy, the type of energysource available, the unit price per increment of energy and comparesthis to the energy required to generate the energy, the type of energysource available, the unit price per increment of energy and comparesthis to the energy required to generate the hydrogen demanded by unit717 and subsequent zones 718. Energy supplied by energy source 12 isgenerated from one or more types of primary energy resources P that mayinclude renewable energy resources R. The types of primary energyresources P include fossil fuels, wind, solar, nuclear and hydroresources.

Upon receipt of the demand, network controller 14 further determines thestatus S of all hydrogen producing sources 10 on the network. Initialchecks include the current status of the hydrogen source, percentage useof rated capacity, rated capacity to produce hydrogen of a knownquantity for a know amount of energy consumption and monitoring of theprocess parameters for starting the hydrogen production source(s),process valves and electrical switch status network controller 14 theninitiates the starting sequence for hydrogen producing source(s) 10 tomeet the demands of unit 717 and subsequent zones 718 subject to theavailability of energy resource(s) 12 at the lowest possible cost.

Network controller 14 secures a quantity of energy from energy source(s)12 at the most preferred cost to unit 717 and updates unit controller721 and zone controller 720 to permit hydrogen to flow through conduits724. Energy is then consumed from energy source 12 to produce hydrogenvia hydrogen production source(s) 10 for the generation of hydrogen andoxygen gases which are supplied to the unit 717 through zones 718.

Hydrogen flowing in conduit 724 to unit 717 is monitored by unitcontroller 721 which further controls the distribution of hydrogenwithin unit 717. Hydrogen may flow so as to enter storage unit 726 forstorage as compressed gas, liquid H2, hydrides, etc for later use by azone 718, and may flow along conduit 728 to a direct conversion device730 for conversion of hydrogen into electricity via a fuel cell,internal combustion engine and the like (not shown) for a furthercentral distribution within unit 717. It may further be converted intoheat and/or electricity by an indirect conversion device 732, such as aboiler, furnace, steam generator, turbine and the like for furthercentral distribution within unit 717 and may be further passed alongconduit 728 directly to a zone 718. Hydrogen conversion devices 730 or732 may be connected to an electricity grid 2 such as a local area gridfor residences, apartment complexes, commercial and industrial buildingsor sites, or a wide area grid such as a national, state of provincialgrid.

Hydrogen flowing in conduit 728 to zone 718 is further monitored by unitcontroller 721, zone controller 720 and zone controller 734 along databus 736 which further controls the distribution of hydrogen within zone718. Hydrogen within the zone may flow so as to enter a direct 738 orindirect 740 conversion device within zone 718 for conversion intoelectricity or heat via a furnace, stove and the like (not shown).

In a further embodiment, network controller 14 selects a specific typeof energy source 12 to buy electricity which can be transmitted alongconduits 746 so as to arrive directly at zone 718 where conversion intohydrogen occurs within the zone by means of an electrolyser 744 forgeneration of hydrogen within the geographic domains of zone 718 for useby direct 738 or indirect 740 conversion devices as noted above, allunder the direction of zone controller 720 or 734.

Any incorrect noted status in any of the operational parameters notedabove or in the quality/purity of the product gases, will result innetwork controller 14, unit controller 721 and zone controller 720 toalter or intercept the operation of hydrogen source(s) 10 and 744, alongwith hydrogen conversion devices 730, 732, 738, 740 until an appropriatestatus has been reached. Controllers 14, 720, 721 and 734 also can actto modulate one or a plurality of hydrogen producing sources on thenetwork to meet the demands of unit 717 and zones unit 717 and zones 718so as to successfully complete the hydrogen demand of users 716, 718 toprovide the minimum quantity of hydrogen at the minimum rate of deliveryover the minimum amount of time as specified at the minimum purity atthe minimum cost to users 716, 718, and optionally, schedules hydrogendemand.

Upon receiving notification from unit 717 and zones 718 that theirrequirements have been successfully met, controllers 14, 721 and 720instruct hydrogen producing sources 10, 744 to cease operation andinforms energy sources 12 of the revised change in energy demand and,optionally, schedules hydrogen demand.

Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferredembodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the inventionis not restricted to those particular embodiments. Rather, the inventionincludes all embodiments which are functional or mechanical equivalenceof the specific embodiments and features that have been described andillustrated.

1. A hydrogen energy system for a facility that is disposed off-board avehicle, said system comprising: (a) a hydrogen generator disposed atsaid facility for generating hydrogen by water electrolysis usingelectrical energy received from at least one external source ofelectrical energy; (b) a hydrogen storage apparatus disposed at saidfacility for storing at least some of the hydrogen generated by saidhydrogen generator; and (c) a controller having a computer processor forreceiving and processing control inputs including data concerning theavailability of said electrical energy for use by said hydrogengenerator, (ii) data concerning the operating status of said hydrogengenerator and (iii) data concerning one or more demands for hydrogenfrom one or more hydrogen users, said controller being operativelyconnected to said hydrogen generator for controlling the generation ofhydrogen based at least upon control inputs (i) to (iii).
 2. A system asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said control inputs further include dataconcerning said hydrogen storage apparatus.
 3. A system as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said controller further controls the storage ofhydrogen.
 4. A system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising acompressor disposed at said facility for compressing said hydrogen to aminimum desired pressure.
 5. A system as claimed in claim 4 wherein saidhydrogen is compressed by said compressor prior to storage in saidhydrogen storage apparatus.
 6. A system as claimed in claim 4 whereinsaid controller controls the generation, compression and storage ofhydrogen.
 7. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hydrogengenerator generates hydrogen at a minimum desired pressure.
 8. A systemas claimed in claim 1 further comprising a hydrogen delivery systemdisposed at said facility for delivering hydrogen from at least one ofsaid hydrogen generator and said hydrogen storage apparatus to one ormore hydrogen users.
 9. A system as claimed in claim 8 wherein said oneor more hydrogen users include a hydrogen conversion device for poweringa vehicle.
 10. A system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising ahydrogen conversion device disposed at said facility for receivinghydrogen from said hydrogen storage apparatus and converting saidhydrogen into electricity.
 11. A system as claimed in claim 10 whereinsaid hydrogen conversion device is an internal combustion engine.
 12. Asystem as claimed in claim 10 wherein said hydrogen conversion device isa fuel cell.
 13. A system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising ahydrogen conversion device disposed at said facility for receivinghydrogen from said hydrogen storage apparatus and converting saidhydrogen into thermal energy.
 14. A system as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid at least one source of electric energy includes an electricitygrid.
 15. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein electrical energy forsaid at least one source of electric energy is generated from one ormore primary energy resources.
 16. A system as claimed in claim 15wherein said primary energy resources include renewable resources.
 17. Asystem as claimed in claim 15 wherein said primary energy resourcesinclude at least one of the following: fossil fuels, wind, solar,nuclear and hydro.
 18. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said dataconcerning the availability of electrical energy for use by saidhydrogen generator includes real time data.
 19. A system as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said data concerning the availability of electricalenergy for use by said hydrogen generator includes stored data.
 20. Asystem as claimed in claim 1 wherein said data concerning theavailability of electrical energy for use by said hydrogen generatorincludes data concerning the price of electrical energy.
 21. A system asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said controller modulates the generation ofhydrogen by said hydrogen generator based on data including said dataconcerning the availability of electrical energy for use by saidhydrogen generator.
 22. A system as claimed in claim 10 wherein saidcontroller modulates the generation of electricity by said hydrogenconversion device based on data including said data concerning theavailability of electrical energy for use by said hydrogen generator.23. A system as claimed in claim 10 wherein at least some of saidelectricity generated by said hydrogen conversion device is transmittedto an electricity grid.
 24. A system according to claim 1 wherein saidat least one source of electric energy includes at least one non-gridsource of electric energy.
 25. A system as claimed in claim 24 whereinelectricity for said at least one non-grid source of electric energy isgenerated from at least one primary energy resource.
 26. A system asclaimed in claim 25 wherein said at least one primary energy resourceincludes renewable resources.
 27. A system as claimed in claim 26wherein said renewable resources include at least one of wind, solar,nuclear and hydro.
 28. A system as claimed in claim 25 wherein saidprimary energy resources include at least one of the following: fossilfuels, wind, solar, nuclear and hydro.
 29. A system as claimed in claim1 wherein said at least one source of electric energy includes anelectricity grid and at least one non-grid source of electric energy andwherein said controller selects one of said at least one sources ofelectric energy based on data including said data concerning theavailability of electrical energy for use by said hydrogen generator.30. A system as claimed in claim 29 further comprising a hydrogenconversion device disposed at said facility for converting hydrogen intoelectricity.
 31. A system as claimed in claim 30 wherein said controllermodulates the generation of electricity by said hydrogen conversiondevice based on data including said data concerning the availability ofelectrical energy for use by said hydrogen generator.
 32. A system asclaimed in claim 30 wherein at least some of said electricity generatedby said hydrogen conversion device is transmitted to said electricitygrid.
 33. A system as claimed in claim 15 wherein said data concerningthe availability of electrical energy for use by said hydrogen generatorincludes data pertaining to the type of primary energy resources usedfor producing said electrical energy.
 34. A system as claimed in claim 2wherein said controller initiates operation of said hydrogen generatorto generate hydrogen when the amount of hydrogen stored in said hydrogenstorage apparatus falls below a predetermined amount.
 35. A system asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said hydrogen storage apparatus comprises atleast one hydride storage chamber.
 36. A system as claimed in claim 1wherein said hydrogen storage apparatus comprises at least one containerfor storing pressurized hydrogen.
 37. A system as claimed in claim 1wherein said controller controls the amount of electricity received bysaid hydrogen generator.
 38. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidcontroller controls the duration of electricity supply to said hydrogengenerator.
 39. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said controllercomprises a plurality of controllers.
 40. A system as claimed in claim 1wherein said data is transmitted to said controller by wirelesstransmission.
 41. A hydrogen energy system for a facility that isdisposed off-board a vehicle, said system comprising: (a) a hydrogengenerator disposed at said facility for generating hydrogen by waterelectrolysis using electrical energy received from at least one externalsource of electrical energy; (b) a hydrogen storage apparatus disposedat said facility for storing at least some of the hydrogen generated bysaid hydrogen generator; (c) a controller having a computer processorfor receiving and processing control inputs, said control inputsincluding data concerning one or more demands for hydrogen by one ormore hydrogen users, said controller being operatively connected to saidhydrogen generator for controlling the generation of hydrogen based atleast upon said data concerning one or more demands for hydrogen by oneor more hydrogen users.
 42. A system as claimed in claim 41 furthercomprising a compressor disposed at said facility for compressing saidhydrogen to a minimum desired pressure.
 43. A system as claimed in claim41 further comprising a hydrogen conversion device disposed at saidfacility for receiving hydrogen from said hydrogen storage apparatus andconverting said hydrogen into electricity.
 44. A hydrogen energy systemfor a facility that is disposed off-board a vehicle comprising: (a) ahydrogen generator disposed at said facility for generating hydrogen bywater electrolysis using electrical energy received from at least oneexternal source of electric energy; (b) a hydrogen storage apparatusdisposed at said facility for storing at least some of the hydrogengenerated by said hydrogen generator; and (c) a controller having acomputer processor for receiving and processing control inputs, saidcontrol inputs including data concerning the price of said electricalenergy available for use by said hydrogen generator and data concerningone or more demands for hydrogen by one or more hydrogen users, saidcontroller being operatively connected to said hydrogen generator forcontrolling the generation of hydrogen based at least upon said dataconcerning the price of said electrical energy available for use by saidhydrogen generator and said data concerning one or more demands forhydrogen by one or more hydrogen users.
 45. A system as claimed in claim41 wherein said control inputs further include data concerning theoperating status of said hydrogen generator.
 46. A system as claimed inclaim 41 wherein said control inputs further include data concerning theavailability of said electrical energy for use by said hydrogengenerator.
 47. A system as claimed in claim 41 wherein said controlinputs further include data concerning said hydrogen storage apparatus.48. A system as claimed in claim 41 wherein said controller furthercontrols the storage of hydrogen.
 49. A system as claimed in claim 41further comprising a hydrogen delivery system disposed at said facilityfor delivering hydrogen from at least one of said hydrogen generator andsaid hydrogen storage apparatus to one or more hydrogen users.
 50. Asystem as claimed in claim 41 further comprising a hydrogen conversiondevice disposed at said facility for receiving hydrogen from saidhydrogen storage apparatus and converting said hydrogen into thermalenergy.
 51. A system as claimed in claim 41 further comprising ahydrogen conversion device disposed at said facility for receivinghydrogen from said hydrogen storage apparatus and converting saidhydrogen into electricity.
 52. A system as claimed in claim 41 whereinsaid at least one source of electrical energy includes an electricitygrid.
 53. A system as claimed in claim 41 wherein said controllermodulates the generation of hydrogen by said hydrogen generator.
 54. Asystem as claimed in claim 51 wherein said controller modulates thegeneration of electricity by said hydrogen conversion device.
 55. Asystem as claimed in claim 51 wherein at least some of said electricitygenerated by said hydrogen conversion device is transmitted to anelectricity grid.
 56. A system according to claim 41 wherein said atleast one source of electric energy includes at least one non-gridsource of electric energy.
 57. A system as claimed in claim 41 whereinsaid controller initiates operation of said hydrogen generator togenerate hydrogen when the amount of hydrogen stored in said hydrogenstorage apparatus falls below a predetermined amount.
 58. A system asclaimed in claim 41 wherein said controller controls the amount ofelectricity received by said hydrogen generator.
 59. A system as claimedin claim 41 wherein said controller controls the duration of electricitysupply to said hydrogen generator.
 60. A system as claimed in claim 41wherein electrical energy for said at least one external source ofelectrical energy is generated from one or more primary energyresources.
 61. A system as claimed in claim 60 wherein said primaryenergy resources include renewable resources.
 62. A system as claimed inclaim 60 wherein said primary energy resources include at least one ofthe following: fossil fuels, wind, solar, nuclear and hydro.
 63. Asystem according to claim 41 wherein said at least one external sourceof electrical energy includes at least one non-grid source of electricenergy.
 64. A system as claimed in claim 63 wherein electricity for saidat least one non-grid source of electrical energy is generated from atleast one primary energy resource.
 65. A system as claimed in claim 64wherein said at least one primary energy resource includes renewableresources.
 66. A system as claimed in claim 65 wherein said renewableresources include at least one of wind, solar, nuclear and hydro.
 67. Asystem as claimed in claim 64 wherein said at least one primary energyresource include at least one of the following: fossil fuels, wind,solar, nuclear and hydro.
 68. A system as claimed in claim 41 whereinsaid at least one external source of electrical energy includes anelectricity grid and at least one non-grid source of electrical energyand wherein said controller selects one of said at least one externalsources of electrical energy based on data including data concerning theavailability of electrical energy for use by said hydrogen generator.69. A system as claimed in claim 68 further comprising a hydrogenconversion device disposed at said facility for converting hydrogen intoelectricity.
 70. A system as claimed in claim 69 wherein said controllermodulates the generation of electricity by said hydrogen conversiondevice based on data including data concerning the availability ofelectrical energy for use by said hydrogen generator.
 71. A system asclaimed in claim 69 wherein at least some of said electricity generatedby said hydrogen conversion device is transmitted to said electricitygrid.
 72. A system as claimed in claim 68 wherein said data concerningthe availability of electrical energy for use by said hydrogen generatorincludes data pertaining to the type of primary energy resources usedfor producing said electrical energy.
 73. A system as claimed in claim44 wherein electrical energy for said at least one external source ofelectric energy is generated from one or more primary energy resources.74. A system as claimed in claim 73 wherein said primary energyresources include renewable resources.
 75. A system as claimed in claim73 wherein said primary energy resources include at least one of thefollowing: fossil fuels, wind, solar, nuclear and hydro.
 76. A system asclaimed in claim 44 wherein said at least one external source ofelectric energy includes an electricity grid and at least one non-gridsource of electric energy and wherein said controller selects one ofsaid at least one external sources of electric energy based on dataincluding data concerning the availability of electrical energy for useby said hydrogen generator.
 77. A system as claimed in claim 76 furthercomprising a hydrogen conversion device disposed at said facility forconverting hydrogen into electricity.
 78. A system as claimed in claim77 wherein said controller modulates the generation of electricity bysaid hydrogen conversion device based on data including data concerningthe availability of electrical energy for use by said hydrogengenerator.
 79. A system as claimed in claim 77 wherein at least some ofsaid electricity generated by said hydrogen conversion device istransmitted to said electricity grid.
 80. A system as claimed in claim76 wherein said data concerning the availability of electrical energyfor use by said hydrogen generator includes data pertaining to the typeof primary energy resources used for producing said electrical energy.81. A system as claimed in claim 44 further comprising a compressordisposed at said facility for compressing said hydrogen to a minimumdesired pressure.
 82. A system as claimed in claim 44 further comprisinga hydrogen conversion device disposed at said facility for receivinghydrogen from said hydrogen storage apparatus and converting saidhydrogen into electricity.
 83. A system as claimed in claim 44 whereinsaid control inputs further include data concerning the operating statusof said hydrogen generator.
 84. A system as claimed in claim 44 whereinsaid controller further controls the storage of hydrogen.
 85. A systemas claimed in claim 44 further comprising a hydrogen delivery systemdisposed at said facility for delivering hydrogen from at least one ofsaid hydrogen generator and said hydrogen storage apparatus to one ormore hydrogen users.
 86. A system as claimed in claim 44 furthercomprising a hydrogen conversion device disposed at said facility forreceiving hydrogen from said hydrogen storage apparatus and convertingsaid hydrogen into thermal energy.
 87. A system as claimed in claim 44wherein said at least one external source of electrical energy includesan electricity grid.
 88. A system as claimed in claim 44 wherein saidcontroller modulates the generation of hydrogen by said hydrogengenerator.
 89. A system as claimed in claim 44 wherein said controllerinitiates operation of said hydrogen generator to generate hydrogen whenthe amount of hydrogen stored in said hydrogen storage apparatus fallsbelow a predetermined amount.
 90. A system as claimed in claim 44wherein said controller controls the amount of electricity received bysaid hydrogen generator.
 91. A system as claimed in claim 44 whereinsaid controller controls the duration of electricity supply to saidhydrogen generator.